Officers Shoot Dogs That Attacked Owner

On Sunday, September 11, 2011, just before 4:00 p.m., Long Beach Police officers were conducting an investigation at a residence in the area near Willow Street and Bellflower Boulevard. While officers were conducting their investigation, the resident, and owner of two dogs, was placing both dogs into the garage.

Another resident in the home notified the officers that the dogs were attacking the owner who was on the ground being bitten. Officers ran to the back yard and saw the dogs violently attacking its owner who was on the ground being bitten and trying to free herself from the dogs. Officers attempted non-lethal force to subdue the dogs, however, this was not effective and the dogs continued their attack on the owner.

Seeing that the owner was in danger of serious injury, one officer discharged his firearm to save her and stop the attack. The dogs fled from the garage but remained a threat to the injured owner and the officers and both dogs were shot by officers.

One dog died at the scene and the other was transported by Long Beach Animal Control to a local hospital where it underwent treatment.

The owner of the dogs was transported by paramedics to a local hospital for treatment of multiple bites to the upper and lower torso.

Anyone with information regarding this case is encouraged to contact Long Beach Police Homicide Detectives Hugo Cortes or Peter Lackovic at (562) 570-7244. Anonymous information may also be submitted via text or the web by visiting www.longbeach.gov/police.